MLB Player News

Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Montgomery would start the team's home opener Tuesday against the Rays, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

After the home opener was postponed Monday, the Yankees considered skipping Montgomery's turn and instead going with Luis Severino on regular rest Tuesday, but Boone ultimately elected to keep his rotation in its normal order. With Montgomery now locked in for Tuesday, he'll line up for a two-start week, with his second outing set to come Sunday against the Orioles.

Montgomery won't make his scheduled start Monday after the Yankees' home opener against the Rays was postponed due to inclement weather, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The two teams will make up the game Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. EDT, so it's expected that Montgomery will just move back a day in the pitching schedule. After a strong rookie season, the young lefty shined during spring training, posting a 3.43 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 21 innings.

Rodriguez (knee) will make a minor-league start in extended spring training Tuesday and will likely need another start beyond that before returning to the Red Sox, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Manager Alex Cora acknowledged that Rodriguez needs a bit more time. "It's strictly his knee and his extension," Cora said. "It's very important for him to be 100 percent. I think this organization has been through the path before and it seemed like it didn't work out so we have to make sure he's completely healthy." This new timeline pushes out the left-hander's earliest return date to April 13.

Perez (elbow) threw six innings in a simulated game with Triple-A Round Rock on Friday and said he's ready to join the Rangers' rotation Thursday, Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reports. "Everything is looking perfect," Perez said. "I'm ready to go."

No surprise hearing that out of Perez, who said a similar statement after his first spring start a week ago. The Rangers opted to play it safe with Perez and have him wait until April 5, the eighth game of the season, for his season debut.

Gray gave up one run on seven hits and three walks over four-plus innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Despite allowing 10 players to reach base, Gray managed to give up just one run and struck out eight batters. However, his pitch count grew quickly and reached 89 over just four innings of work, resulting in the Yankees turning to their bullpen early in the contest. His next start figures to be Saturday when the Yankees host the Orioles.

Stroman gave up four runs over five innings in a no-decision versus the Yankees on Sunday.

During his time in Sunday's game, Stroman gave up three hits and three walks. Although he allowed four runs, all of which came in the game's third frame, Stroman managed to fan eight batters during his five-inning effort. He'll look to improve when he next takes the mound against the Rangers on Saturday.

Cole (1-0) struck out 11 and allowed just one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Rangers.

Cole was absolutely filthy in his first start as an Astro, as he used 21 swinging strikes to rack up those 11 strikeouts. As a Pirate in 2017, Cole reached double-digit strikeouts just twice and didn't strike out 11 batters in any of his 31 starts. Cole looks like he's in great form to start his Astros career, and at his best, he has been an ace-level pitcher. He's currently slotted fourth in Houston's rotation, truly an embarrassment of riches.

Gausman (0-1) gave up six runs on seven hits and two walks over four innings in Sunday's loss to the Twins.

Gausman's season debut didn't go well, as three of the seven hits he surrendered were home runs. Although he managed to log five strikeouts, Minnesota was able to reach base and score with ease, keeping Gausman from reaching the five-inning mark. While hopes remain intact that he can approach his 2016 form, in which he posted a 3.61 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 30 starts, Sunday's lackluster effort remains a disappointment. Gausman will look to get on track when he takes the mound Friday against the Yankees.

Berrios (1-0) threw nine shutout innings and gave up three hits and a walk while striking out six batters in Sunday's victory over the Orioles.

Berrios made his first start of the season Sunday and wasted no time to put on an outstanding performance. Per Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, this was the first complete game of the 23-year-old's career. While his six strikeouts didn't quite reflect last season's 8.6 K/9, Berrios is on track to improve after posting a 3.89 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 2017. He'll return to the mound Saturday when the Twins host the Mariners.

General manager Billy Eppler said that Heaney (elbow) checked out fine during a 69-pitch intrasquad game Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

It's expected that the Angels will reevaluate Heaney on Monday before determining the next step in his rehab process. Assuming Heaney isn't experiencing any renewed inflammation in his left elbow a day after the outing, he'll likely make his next start in a rehab game at one of the Angels' minor-league affiliates. That could put him on track to be available April 12 against the Royals, when the team would first require a sixth starter.